Just In: Alpine F1 Team Principal Oliver Oakes Resigns Immediately Amid T…read more
Alpine F1 Team Principal Oliver Oakes Resigns Immediately Amid T…read more
In a surprising development following the Miami Grand Prix, the Alpine Formula 1 team has announced that Oliver Oakes has stepped down from his role as Team Principal with immediate effect. The 37-year-old took over the reins just ten months ago, replacing Bruno Famin midway through the 2024 season. At the time of his appointment, Oakes became the second youngest team principal in F1 history—behind only Red Bull’s Christian Horner, who took on his role in 2005 at a similar age.
Oakes’ tenure at the Enstone-based outfit has now come to an abrupt end, raising questions about the internal dynamics and long-term direction of the team. The official statement from Alpine confirmed the departure, thanking Oakes for his contributions during a transitional period that saw the team finish sixth in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship standings.
The statement reads:
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as Team Principal. The team has accepted his resignation with immediate effect. As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as Executive Advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes. The team would like to thank Oliver for his efforts since he joined last summer and for his contribution in helping the team secure sixth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.”
The news has intensified speculation about further changes within the Alpine camp. According to various reports, there is ongoing deliberation about potential driver shifts, particularly concerning current reserve driver Franco Colapinto and full-time driver Jack Doohan. While neither driver’s future has been officially confirmed, the growing chatter suggests that a significant lineup alteration could be on the horizon.
Flavio Briatore, who has a storied and controversial history in F1—including a previous role with Renault F1, the precursor to Alpine—will now assume additional responsibilities alongside his advisory position. Briatore’s return to a more hands-on role may signal a shift in Alpine’s strategy and leadership approach. Known for his brash style and influence during Renault’s championship-winning years with Fernando Alonso, Briatore’s expanded role could bring a mix of experience and pressure to deliver results.
This leadership change is the latest in a series of high-profile moves for Alpine, which has struggled to break into the top tier of F1 teams in recent seasons despite strong resources and a storied heritage. With uncertainty hanging over the team’s driver lineup and now a leadership vacuum at the top, the coming months could be critical for Alpine as they attempt to stabilize their trajectory.
The timing of Oakes’ departure, mid-season and without prior indication, has taken many within the paddock by surprise. It remains to be seen whether this signals deeper internal issues or simply a strategic pivot by the team’s senior management. Either way, Alpine’s immediate future will be under close scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
